Compare the2025 BMW X3VS 2025 Lexus RX

The X3 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The RX doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The X3 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The RX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the X3. But it costs extra on the RX.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X3’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The RX doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the X3 and the RX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The X3’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RX’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X3 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RX (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 43 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X3’s warranty.

The X3 has more powerful engines than the RX:

As tested in Motor Trend the X3 30 xDrive 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Lexus RX:

On the EPA test cycle the X3 gets better mileage than the RX running its gasoline engine:

Both the X3 and the RX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All X3s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The RX 350h/500h doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The X3 has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the RX 450+’s standard fuel tank (17.2 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW X3 higher (6 to 7 out of 10) than the Lexus RX (5 to 6). This means the X3 produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the RX every 15,000 miles.

The X3 M50’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The RX doesn’t offer launch control.

The X3 stops much shorter than the RX:

For better traction, the X3 has larger standard tires than the RX (245/50R19 vs. 235/60R19). The X3’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RX (F:255/40R21 & R:285/35R21 vs. 235/60R19).

The X3’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RX’s standard 60 series tires. The X3’s optional 255/40R21 front and 285/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the RX’s optional 50 series tires.

The X3 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The RX base model’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks. The RX 350h suspension doesn’t offer rear gas-charged shocks.

The X3’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.5% to 49.5%) than the RX’s (54.7% to 45.3%). This gives the X3 more stable handling and braking.

The X3 30 xDrive handles at .92 G’s, while the RX 350 AWD pulls only .75 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X3 30 xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.8 seconds quicker than the RX 350h (25.8 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 28.6 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X3 M50 xDrive has a greater minimum ground clearance than the RX 350 (8.3 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the X3 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X3 30 xDrive’s minimum ground clearance is .3 inch higher than on the RX 350h (8.5 vs. 8.2 inches).

The X3 is 5.3 inches shorter than the RX, making the X3 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the RX with its rear seat up (31.5 vs. 29.6 cubic feet). The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (67.1 vs. 46.2 cubic feet).

The engine in the X3 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the RX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X3 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X3 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The RX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW X3 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the RX.